The Atlanta Braves are closing in on Ronald Acuna Jr.'s return as the star outfielder started a rehab assignment over the last week. Without Acuna in the lineup, Atlanta has been among the league's worst teams over the last month. When the outfielder is healthy, the offense has consistently been at the top of the league, and Atlanta established itself as a top contender. While the reasons for the Braves' recent fall are a bit deeper than just Acuna's absence, there is no debating his return will go a long way in resetting things.
Even when Acuna isn't the best version of himself, there is an undeniable energy with the outfielder in the lineup. A small piece of this is the consistent speed that applies pressure on the defense and serves as a pitching distraction when the 2023 MVP is on base. The Braves are simply a different team with Acuna in the lineup, and his return couldn't be coming at a more perfect moment.
The Braves are clinging to a two-game lead in the National League East and have an undeniable level of pressure, as the Philadelphia Phillies have climbed what once looked to be an insurmountable hill to climb.
Braves Getting Ronald Acuna Jr. Back at the Perfect Moment
If Atlanta is going to remain in the postseason race and maintain control of the division, it is going to require Acuna staying healthy and stabilizing a lineup that simply hasn't had the needed level of consistency over the last month. Much of the team's production appears to come in 1-2 games of hot production followed by long stretches of struggle.
There isn't any question that Acuna takes away this tendency and is going to be the driving force of what will once again be one of the league's best offensive units. With this in mind, fans should continue to have playoff expectations and take a breath that the recent struggles aren't a sign of things to come.
Acuna's return is going to be the missing piece to put the Braves back on top and stabilize what is a precarious division lead. As bold as this take might seem, it is understanding the reality of Acuna getting back in the lineup and being a source of not only offense but also clear energy in the dugout and in the outfield. No question, the star's return couldn't have come at a better moment as the Braves look to come out of the All-Star Break and maintain control.
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